Boko Haram kidnaps 60 more Nigerian girls

Despite a recently-established ceasefire between Boko Haram and the Nigerian government, militants from the terrorist organization are suspected of kidnapping 60 girls from a small town in northeastern Nigeria, according to Reuters.

The BBC stated the kidnappings took place just one day after the ceasefire had been brokered. The recent seizure of the girls from Nigeria’s Adamawa state also comes in the midst of an attempted negotiation between Nigeria and Boko Haram that would call for the release of 200 schoolgirls who were taken in April 2014.

Until the recent kidnapping, the Nigerian government was confident the ceasefire would lead to the freedom of the girls taken six months ago.

Officials in Chad are still working to secure the abducted women despite the recent breakdown of the truce. The officials have indicated that the deal to release the 200 schoolgirls taken in April will still be carried out, according to Reuters.

The Chadian government believes that the recent kidnappings have been committed by factions of Boko Haram that refuse to honor any deal made with the Nigerians.

According to Reuters, Moussa Mahamat Dago, the second in command of Chad’s foreign ministry said, “Those who are fighting are dissidents that even [Boko Haram] aren’t able to control. So far, there is no reason for others to doubt this agreement.”

The impending deal will result in an exchange of the 200 girls for Boko Haram fighters under Nigerian custody. The whereabouts of the girls remain unknown.

Editor’s Note:Information from BBC and Reuters was used in this report.